1988 Maserati 420 vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 610 kg more than 1988 Maserati 420.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Maserati 420 (259 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (230 Nm). This means 1988 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Maserati 420 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 420 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2270 mm |
